Course Summary

212: Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing. A comprehensive theoretical and practical introduction to the fundamental principles of geographic information systems and remote sensing digital image processing. Topics include data sources and models, map scales and projections, spatial analysis, elementary satellite image interpretation and manipulation, and global positioning systems. Current issues and applications of GIS are discussed with emphasis on environmental topics. Students develop and carry out independent projects using GIS. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

See below for example of student course projects and what ES212 graduates are doing.

Course Information

Syllabus (pdf)

Course Readings

- From Library electronic reserves

- From Colby fileserver using Windows machine

• From start menu select RUN...
• Type: \\fileserver1
• If prompted, enter your username and password (note: you may need to type @colby.edu after your username, as in "pjnyhus@colby.edu". Click OK.
• Select the Academics folder
• Select the ENVS folder
• Select the appropriate course folder and contents

- From Colby fileserver using Mac OSX click here

Handouts

- See directions above to access fileserver1

Lectures

- See directions above to access fileserver1

Atlas of Maine

The Atlas of Maine is a series of maps developed by students in Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing, an interdisciplinary course in the Environmental Studies Program at Colby College. The goal of this activity is to develop a series of maps highlighting the unique human and natural resources of Maine. The Atlas maps emphasize "visual" GIS. Student research proejcts emphasize "analytical" GIS click. Click a link below to see the Atlas of Maine projects.

• 2005 Atlas of Maine and projects (new window)
• 2006 Atlas of Maine and projects (new window)

ES212 graduates using GIS

Many students have gone on to use GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis after they graduate from this course to complete independent studies or honors theses, as part of internships and jobs, and as part of their graduate study. I enjoy hearing from former students using GIS or similar technologies! Below please find a few examples (please feel free to email me so I can add your name or update your projects!):

• Samuel Weeks (ES212 Spring 06): A Peace Corps volunteer working in the Cape Verde Islands used GIS to support a German/Cape Verdian cooperative project to help a national park. Click here to see an example of Sam's work.
• Greg LaShoto (ES212 Spring 06): Summer research and internship with Natural Resources Council of Maine. Greg followed up on a class project to explore the impact of catastrophic sea level rise in Maine. This project was highlighted in local newspaper articles. Click here to see an example of Greg's work.
• Kevin Fritze (ES212 Spring 05): Intern, Office of Surface Mining within the Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. as well as Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance, Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. Click here to see an example of Kevin's work.

Return to top